SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR

Of the four albums so far, to my ears this is the strongest as they have stretched the diversity, yet somehow made everything commercially accessible and enjoyable while never compromising any musical ideals. There are times when there are multiple vocal harmonies, yet Marek is still the person holding it all together with his beautiful piano. Martin has easily stepped into the role vacated by Andreas, and although his soloing in particular is quite different, it feels measured and totally in keeping with everything that is going on musically. There is a confidence and feeling of assuredness that was somewhat missing from the previous album, and the feeling that here is a band that just can't do any wrong. The layered vocals on songs such as "Still Searching" are immaculate, with wonderful choral elements, and the diversity throughout this album makes it a crossover (in its very truest sense) progressive rock album that is truly essential.

It is always risky bringing religion into music as it tends to upset people in one way or another. Me, I have never let it worry me, so if Neal Morse (for example) wants to sing about his beliefs then that is fine with me as I will stay enjoy what is being performed, and the same goes for the many black metal or death metal bands. I can honestly say that I have never been inspired to do anything suggested by Cannibal Corpse, which is just as well both for the other person involved and also because I would end up in jail. For me it is all about the music and what is happening with the song, and on that score it is yet another really interesting album that I have enjoyed playing immensely. If I was to rate it against the others I would probably say that it is the one I enjoyed least, and that had nothing to do with the lyrics but more that it wasn't quite as eclectic as the others, but when put up against other bands it still more than stands the test. This is the one I would point to last of the four albums to date, but still very worthwhile hearing indeed.

This is one of the things that make SSTTGD such a joy to listen to, they feel no need to be constrained by either musical style or form, so if they want to bring in many different style and mix them all in a melodic progressive crossover melting pot then they will. If they also want to have sections where musicians aren't involved and are off in a corner of the studio having a cup of coffee then that is all good as well. That particular song features delicate female vocals, as well as female and male harmonies, and of course what sounds like someone using a megaphone to get their point across for a few lines as well. Marek moves between his beloved piano and synths, and on the title cut the band start as if they have been influenced more by Meshuggah than IQ and are out to make a point. It is rough, raw and harsh, but still always contains that sense of melody that is throughout all they do. Yet another great album from a band that have never really gained the kudos outside their own country that they deserve.

The piano is at the very heart of what is happening, and there are times when Marek is playing against riffed guitars, something that is incredibly unusual, as when a keyboard player is involved like that he is generally using a synth. There are quite a few sections where Marek is holding his own, either with or without a singer also being involved, and then the band may move seamlessly into something that has a great deal of attack with Andreas showing that he is a fine guitarist while Marek moves into some different sounds. With male and female vocals, and the band throwing so many styles into the melting point, from late Seventies rock that sounds as if disco is coming back into fashion to metallic riffs: I am sure I even heard a didgeridoo at one point. Highly accessible, hugely enjoyable, this is a fun album that makes me smile each and every time I play it.

I gave this album many spins, hoping it would grow on me as it has so many good reviews,came with a high recommendation from a friend and I just love their previous album. The urge to fast forward or skip tracks was ever present while listening to it. Like another reviewer says: "an album one does not look forward to listen to". To make things worse, I find the cover very off putting and the "secret packaging" did not add to improve things.

"Possible Delayed" is a short intro track of less than a minute of male and female vocals. "PORN!" certainly impresses with the intricate sounds that seem to counter each other. Male vocals around 1 1/2 minutes in until they are replaced by female vocals. A calm 4 minutes in but when it kicks back in we get a lot of intricate sounds again including sax this time. This really sounds good when it settles down with male vocals. Sax follows. Great track! "Still Searching" opens with vocals and backing vocals before the instruments join in, and it's the piano and drums standing out here as the vocals continue. Nice guitar solo when the vocals stop. Sounds like mellotron too followed by a GENTLE GIANT-like vocal arrangement. Piano only 5 1/2 minutes in as the sound continues to change.

"Inferior" opens with more excellent vocals and instrumental work. It settles down before 1 1/2 minutes and I like the mellotron that seems to sweep over top before 3 minutes. A piano solo follows and an almost circus-like melody. It then settles as themes are repeated. "Imprisoned" is melancholic not so surprisingly considering the title. Piano to start as sad female vocals join in. Some nasty organ follows then a full sound with passionate male vocals. Female and male vocals trade off then it turns instrumental before 6 minutes. This is good with that nasty organ returning and check out the guitar that follows with drums and piano. Great sound once again. It calms right down late with female vocals to end it. "Bound In Chains" is relatively restrained both vocally and instrumentally for the first 3 minutes. I'm not into the sound when it becomes more passionate but that lasts only about 1 1/2 minutes. The last part features male vocals.

"Last Lullaby" is also fairly laid back overall with male and female vocals. The drums and piano standout. It does pick up after 4 minutes then it turns quiet before minor riffs arrive. Flute too around 6 minutes. I like the instrumental sound a minute later. "Set In Motion" opens with piano, percussion and spoken words as sax and laughter arrive and take over. Then there's a somewhat jazzy section that soon turns powerful then male vocals join in. It settles with sax and female vocals as contrasts continue. "Ordinary Maniac" is the over 16 minute closer. Female vocals and a pastoral sound to start before it turns heavy 2 1/2 minutes in. Male and female vocals now then it settles before 5 minutes with percussion as the vocals stop. They are back and check out the fast paced vocals that follow and then the harmonies. It turns heavy before 13 minutes. Oh, there's also a violin solo by guest Steve Unruh on this track.

Apparently I'm in the minority with the less than 4 star rating but I just can't pull the trigger on 4 stars. This just is not an album I look forward to playing despite how well it's done. And at over 78 minutes this is too long.

Favorite songs: 1. "Possible Delayed" (0:38) (9/10); 2. "Porn" (8:50) (9/10); the FREQUENCY DRIFT- and THIEVES' KITCHEN-like 7. "Last Lullaby" (9:01) (9/10) and "Ordinary Maniac" (16:10) (8/10), and; 6. "Bound in Chains" (8:53) (8/10).

3.5 stars rated up for mature compositional style.

While continuing to take a look at the comprehensive line up, not having heard one bit, it seems to be quite obvious that vocals are playing an exceptional role. This maybe akin to another german outfit called Frequency Drift due to a rather musical thrilled vocal style. Just sticking to the other main collaborators furthermore, drummer Ulf Reinhardt is part of the show once more, where Martin Schnella seems to be new when serving the basic electric guitar work. Amongst many others Arno Menses, Steve Unruh and Daniel Mash are guesting, other wellknown contributors to the prog realm.

The short opener Possible Delayed is meant to be ... eh, what? Okay, let's say the album's vocal prototype, or warm-up maybe, but if you will listen right on 'til the end - I bet you will, sooner or later - then a deja vu is coming up attached to the epic Ordinary Maniac, which can be crowned as the album's culmination point with good reason. Porn! is an example gracefully pointing to an eclectic flavour, quite irresistible, trickiness is the name of the game. This without running into something overloaded or overplayed, as there are also a lot of accessible and highly melodic moments to find on this album.

Still Searching is quite a good example for that, although - attention - also provided with a puzzling vocal acrobatic intermezzo. Well, some few are slipping into german accent here (with intent???). And I'm inclined to hear greetings to Freddy Mercury in between. 'Fetish' is a definitely unique production, a rich source for progressive art rock fans. Additionally the cover art perfectly mirrors the inspiration behind the concept. Although I'm actually more fond of Marek's Toxic Smile involvement this is a very prolific workout - a contender for a TOP 2015 list.